As a roofer, your priority is to get more clients in your local area. But with so many marketing options, the big question is between Google Maps Ads vs. Local SEO, which is better for roofers?

Many in the roofing industry wonder if paying for ads on Google Maps is worth the investment, or if putting in the effort into Local SEO for roofers will yield better, long-term results.

When potential customers search for roofing services, are they more likely to trust an ad with the “Sponsored” tag or an organic result that ranks due to solid SEO practices? Let’s break it down.

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Google Maps Ads vs. Local SEO Trust Factor Comparison in User Experience

Picture this example: A homeowner discovers their roof is leaking, and they need a roofer fast. They head to Google Maps and search “roof repair near me” and the first few results they see are sponsored ads.

Sure, the ads are at the top, but they have that small “Sponsored” label. Psychologically, this raises a red flag for many potential clients. Learn more about setting up Google Ads for your construction business.

Why? Because an ad might feel like you’re paying for visibility rather than earning it at least from the perspective of potential leads. Check out his article comparing Website SEO vs. Local SEO for electricians.

Now think about the first organic result. It’s there because Google trusts it, and so do others in the area. This roofer didn’t need to pay to get to the top, and that speaks volumes.

Customers know that the best roofing company is often the one that doesn’t need to buy their way to the top. In the Google Maps Ads vs. Local SEO debate.

Trust often tips the scale in favor of Local SEO for roofers. Also for this type of industry. customers usually want to work with the roofer with the most experience since for home owners.

Just ask yourself this, if you owned your own home, would your roof be you’d want to skimp out on?

When searching for roofers near me example comparing sponsored ads and Local SEO for roofers effects on Google Maps

Google Maps Ads vs. Local SEO: Quick Visibility From Ads But at What Cost?

Google Maps Ads can offer quick way to get seen in front of potential customers who are actively seeking your services, which is appealing if you’re just starting out or if your roofing company needs leads fast.

You bid on specific keywords, like “emergency roof repair” and get placed at the top of the map listings. Sounds great, right? Well, there’s a catch.

You’re paying per click, and the costs add up fast. Roofers in competitive areas could be paying $10-$20 per click or more depending on factors like search competition and traffic for those keywords.

Plus, once you stop paying to run these ads, your visibility vanishes. Compare that to Local SEO for roofers. Yea, SEO takes time and effort, but once you rank, you’re not paying for every single visit or call you get.

Bonus Tip: Google Maps Ads can be useful if you’re launching a new roofing business, but they shouldn’t be your long-term strategy. Local SEO offers better long-term value for businesses in the roofing space.

How to set up google maps ads for a local construction business

Local SEO For Roofers: Building Long-Term Traffic That’s Super Targeted

When it comes to optimizing your business for Local SEO, it might not offer the immediate visibility that Google Maps Ads do, but it’s a much more sustainable option.

When done right, Local SEO for roofers positions your business as a trusted solution in your community. Here’s how Local SEO overtime starts to work towards your advantage:

Earning Trust: When a roofing business appears at the top of the search results organically, it signals that Google has vetted this business as trustworthy and relevant. This builds credibility with potential leads.

Free Traffic: Unlike Google Maps Ads, where you pay for each click, the traffic from Local SEO is free. Once you’re ranking well, the leads come in continuously without the cost of running ads.

Long-Term Gains: Local SEO takes time, but it’s like building a reputation. The more work you put in now, the more you’ll reap the benefits for years to come for your roofing business.

Bonus Tip: Get reviews from happy clients to boost your Local SEO. A consistent flow of reviews are easier to get if you use review QR codes.

How local SEO for roofers gets you leads overtime without paying for ads

The Marketing Costs to Run Google Maps Ads vs. Local SEO for Roofers

Many roofers find that Google Maps Ads feel like a bottomless pit. You’re constantly paying, and there’s no guarantee of conversions. Let’s say you spend $500 on ads, and you get 50 clicks.

That’s $10 per click, but how many of those clicks actually turn into paying customers? The return on investment (ROI) for Google Maps Ads can be hit or miss.

However, paying $500 a month isn’t wasteful if you are in a high ticket service business like roofing, scaffolding or plumbing. Because even if you only get 1 quality and qualified lead that converts for a job in the thousands of dollars, then it’s worth your investment.

Now, let’s compare that to Local SEO for roofers. With Local SEO, you’re investing time and effort into optimizing your Google Business Profile, collecting reviews, and improving your GBP optimization.

Once you start ranking, the traffic is consistent and doesn’t come with a monthly bill. Over time, you’ll see more leads coming in, and you won’t need to pay for each one. Also, check out my top 5 free SEO tools here.

Bonus Tip: Never buy fake Google Maps reviews to boost your rankings. Usually this has a very negative effect on your Local SEO efforts.

A screenshot of the process of setting up your Google Ads Budget Spend

FAQ For Google Maps Ads & Local SEO

Q1: How much Should my Ads Budget be?

A: It depends on the CPR and the competition in your area. I’d say at least $500 a month and see how things go from there.

Q2: How long does Local SEO take for roofers?

A: It typically takes 3-6 months to see significant results, but those results are sustainable and will keep yielding targeted traffic over time.

Q3: How much do Google Maps Ads cost?

A: The cost depends on your area, but roofers can pay anywhere from $5 to $20 per click, which can add up quickly.

Q4: What’s the easiest way to start with Local SEO?

A: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile, and ask satisfied customers for reviews.

Q5: Do I need both Google Maps Ads and Local SEO?

A: While both can be useful, Local SEO for roofers is more cost-effective for long-term targeted traffic.

Need Help With Local SEO For Your Business?

If you are still in need of any assistance or help with growing your roofing business organically by generating leads using Local SEO. Then I highly recommend you book a free consultation with the writer of this article, Ramzy, CEO & Founder of Vortex Ranker by clicking here.